Crucial clash for Boyz

Venezuela’s Tomas Rincon (8) fouls Jamaica’s Giles Barnes (9) during a challenge for the ball during their opening Copa America Centenario Group C soccer match at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday. Venezuela won 1-0.

Jamaica coach Winfried Sch‰fer says there will be a change in the team's system of play when the Reggae Boyz face Mexico in a crucial Group C fixture in the Copa America Centenario at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Jamaica and Uruguay are without a point after their first game and they trail Mexico and Venezuela, who are both on three points.

Defeat for the Boyz would virtually eliminate them for the tournament after two contests.

The German coach is also yet to decide on a replacement for left-back Kemar Lawrence, who has been ruled out of the championship with a groin injury.

"We had two meetings with the players, one for team spirit and one for the system. We have to change our system now for Mexico. Mexico have three defenders, four midfielders and a striker, one behind (attacking midfielder) and two wingers on the line.

"Yesterday and today we worked on tactical training and what we have to do against Mexico. So we can win the match, like Chile. But we have to find the key and play on the line with McCleary (Garath) or McAnuff (Jobi)," he revealed.

RIGHT TACTICAL APPROACH

"Kemar Lawrence is out and we have to find a new left defender, so maybe we make Jermaine Taylor play left," he contemplated. "But we are a team so it is not important which player is very good, we have to win as a team like in Gold Cup last year."

Sch‰fer said getting a result against the Mexicans, who opened with a 3-1 win over the mighty Uruguay, would be difficult, but he is convinced that with the right tactical approach and team spirit a positive result is possible.

"We have to be winner team, with confidence. Mexico is a good team, but I am sure we will play very well. When we go to bed tonight (Wednesday) we have to say we will win, when we get up tomorrow (today) we have to say we will win and when we take the pitch we have to go for that result.

"We analysed our match after (the) loss against Venezuela. We talked about mistakes, not only the red card because after that we had chances and I think we play very good. What we do in the training we have to do on the field ... we can work more together.

"All players know what they have to do and they must come with a positive thinking. We lost our first game against Venezuela, but the States (United) lost their first game against Colombia and then beat Costa Rica 4-0. We need to do the same thing," he said.